Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

An apparatus for cleaning a surgical instrument includes an elongate
member having a first end and a second end configured for disposal within
a cavity of a surgical instrument. The elongate member defines a
longitudinal channel and a plurality of apertures extending transversely
through the elongate member. The apertures are in communication with the
longitudinal channel. The first end of the elongate member is configured
to be coupled to a source of fluid such that fluid passes through the
longitudinal channel and out of the elongate member through the plurality
of apertures.

Claims:

1. An apparatus for cleaning a surgical instrument, comprising: an
elongate member having a first end and a second end configured for
disposal within a cavity of a surgical instrument, the elongate member
defining: a longitudinal channel; and a plurality of apertures extending
transversely through the elongate member and communicating with the
longitudinal channel; wherein the first end of the elongate member is
configured to be coupled to a source of fluid, wherein the longitudinal
channel is configured to allow passage of fluid to the plurality of
apertures.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures
are configured to direct fluid toward the first end of the elongate
member.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the elongate member
defines a longitudinal axis and each of the plurality of apertures define
an aperture axis, the longitudinal axis and the aperture axis
intersecting and defining an angle β, wherein the angle β is
between 0.1 degrees and 179.9 degrees.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the angle β is
between 1 degree and 90 degrees.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each aperture of the
plurality of apertures has an inner opening communicating with the
longitudinal channel and an outer opening disposed adjacent an exterior
surface of the elongate member, at least a portion of the outer opening
being disposed closer to the first end of the elongate member than the
inner opening.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cap supported
on the first end of the elongate member.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the cap includes: a wall
extending radially from the elongate member; and a hood extending from
the wall in a direction toward the second end of the elongate member, the
hood being configured to redirect fluid away from the first end of the
elongate member.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the cap includes a mating
part configured to be coupled to a distal end of a surgical instrument
such that upon coupling the mating part to the distal end of the surgical
instrument, the second end of the elongate member is disposed distally of
the distal end of the surgical instrument.

9. A surgical system, comprising: a surgical instrument having a distal
end configured to be coupled to an end effector, the distal end defining
a longitudinal cavity; and an apparatus for cleaning the surgical
instrument, the apparatus including: an elongate member having a first
end and a second end configured for disposal within the cavity of the
surgical instrument, the elongate member defining: a longitudinal
channel; and a plurality of apertures extending transversely through the
elongate member and communicating with the longitudinal channel, wherein
the first end of the elongate member is configured to be coupled to a
source of fluid, wherein the longitudinal channel is configured to allow
passage of fluid to the plurality of apertures and into the cavity of the
surgical instrument.

10. The surgical system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of
apertures are configured to direct fluid toward the first end of the
elongate member and the distal end of the surgical instrument.

11. The surgical system according to claim 10, wherein the elongate
member defines a longitudinal axis and each of the plurality of apertures
define an aperture axis, the longitudinal axis and the aperture axis
intersecting and defining an angle β, wherein the angle β is
between 0.1 degrees and 179.9 degrees.

12. The surgical system according to claim 11, wherein the angle β
is between 1 degree and 90 degrees.

13. The surgical system according to claim 10, wherein each aperture of
the plurality of apertures has an inner opening communicating with the
longitudinal channel and an outer opening disposed adjacent an exterior
surface of the elongate member, at least a portion of the outer opening
being disposed closer to the first end of the elongate member than the
inner opening.

14. The surgical system according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus
further includes a cap supported on the first end of the elongate member.

15. The surgical system according to claim 14, wherein the cap includes:
a wall extending radially from the elongate member; and a hood extending
from the wall in a direction toward the second end of the elongate
member, the hood being configured to redirect fluid away from the first
end of the elongate member and the distal end of the surgical instrument.

16. The surgical system according to claim 14, wherein the cap includes a
mating part configured to be coupled to the distal end of the surgical
instrument such that upon coupling the mating part to the distal end of
the surgical instrument, the second end of the elongate member is
disposed distally of the distal end of the surgical instrument and
encloses a trocar extending distally from the distal end of the surgical
instrument.

17. The surgical system according to claim 16, wherein the mating part
includes: a cylindrical extension disposed about the first end of the
elongate member, the cylindrical extension and the elongate member
defining a space configured for disposal of the distal end of the
surgical instrument; and at least one projection extending from the
cylindrical extension into the space, the projection configured to be
coupled to a mating part of the distal end of the surgical instrument.

18. A method of using a surgical system, comprising: disposing an
elongate member of an apparatus within a cavity formed in a distal end of
a surgical instrument; dispensing fluid into a first end of the elongate
member such that the fluid moves through a longitudinal channel defined
by the elongate member and through apertures defined transversely through
the elongate member into the cavity of the surgical instrument.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising removing the
second end of the elongate member from within the cavity of the surgical
instrument.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising coupling the
first end of the elongate member to the distal end of the surgical
instrument, wherein upon coupling the first end of the elongate member to
the distal end of the surgical instrument, a second end of the elongate
member is disposed distally of the distal end of the surgical instrument
to enclose a trocar extending distally from the distal end of the
surgical instrument.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning apparatus for use with
a surgical instrument. More specifically, the present disclosure relates
to a dual-function cleaning apparatus for use with a circular stapling
instrument.

[0003] 2. Background of Related Art

[0004] Surgical stapling instruments having an end effector configured to
clamp and suture tissue are well known in the medical arts. Typically,
these instruments include a first jaw that supports an anvil assembly and
a second jaw that supports a cartridge assembly which houses a plurality
of staples. The first and second jaws are movable in relation to each
other between spaced and approximated positions to clamp tissue between
the jaws prior to firing the staples into the tissue. The first and
second jaws may also support two part fasteners or first and second
compression members that interact to suture tissue.

[0005] Circular stapling instruments are used to perform end-to-end
anastomosis procedures within a patient. During an end-to-end anastomosis
procedure, an end of a first vessel portion is joined to an end of a
second vessel portion. Typically, circular stapling instruments include
an anvil, which defines an annular array of staple deforming depressions
and an annular cartridge housing annular rows of staples. The annular
cartridge is supported on a distal end of a hollow shaft. The hollow
shaft houses components of approximation and firing mechanisms of the
stapling instrument.

[0006] Some circular stapling instruments are designed to be disassembled
after use to be cleaned or sterilized and then reassembled to be reused.
During use of a circular stapling instrument, bodily fluid may enter the
hollow shaft of the instrument and contaminate mechanisms of the
instrument. Such contaminants may be difficult to effectively clean.
Accordingly, a need exists for a cleaning apparatus to facilitate
cleaning/sterilizing components of circular stapling instruments.

SUMMARY

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus
for cleaning a surgical instrument. The apparatus includes an elongate
member having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured
for disposal within a cavity of a surgical instrument. The elongate
member defines a longitudinal channel and a plurality of apertures
extending transversely through the elongate member. The apertures are in
communication with the longitudinal channel. The first end of the
elongate member is configured to be coupled to a source of fluid. The
longitudinal channel is configured to allow passage of fluid to the
plurality of apertures.

[0008] In embodiments, the apertures may be configured to direct fluid
toward the first end of the elongate member. The elongate member may
define a longitudinal axis and each aperture defines an aperture axis.
The longitudinal axis and the aperture axis intersect and define an angle
β. The angle β may be between 0.1 degrees and 179.0 degrees. In
some embodiments, the angle β may be between 1 and 90 degrees. Each
aperture may have an inner opening communicating with longitudinal
channel and an outer opening disposed adjacent an exterior surface of the
elongate member. A portion of the outer openings are disposed closer to
the first end of the elongate member than the respective inner openings.

[0009] In embodiments, each aperture may have a cylindrical configuration.
It is contemplated that each aperture may be in the form of a slit.

[0010] In embodiments, the apparatus may include a cap supported on the
first end of the elongate member. The cap may include a wall and a hood.
The wall may extend radially from the elongate member. The hood may
extend from the wall in a direction toward the second end of the elongate
member. The hood may be configured to redirect fluid away from the first
end of the elongate member. The hood may have a semi-circular
configuration.

[0011] In embodiments, the cap may include a mating part configured to be
coupled to a distal end of a surgical instrument. Upon coupling the
mating part to the distal end of the surgical instrument, the second end
of the elongate member is disposed distally of the distal end of the
surgical instrument.

[0012] In embodiments, the mating part may include a cylindrical extension
and a plurality of projections. The cylindrical extension may be disposed
about the first end of the elongate member. The cylindrical extension and
the elongate member may define a space. The projections may extend from
the cylindrical extension into the space. It is envisioned that the
cylindrical extension may have an outer surface defining a depression.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical system is
provided. The surgical system includes a surgical instrument and an
apparatus for cleaning the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument
includes a distal end configured to be coupled to an end effector. The
distal end defines a longitudinal cavity. The apparatus includes an
elongate member having a first end and a second end. The second end is
configured for disposal within the cavity of the surgical instrument. The
elongate member defines a longitudinal channel and a plurality of
apertures extending transversely through the elongate member. The
apertures are in communication with the longitudinal channel. The first
end of the elongate member is configured to be coupled to a source of
fluid. The longitudinal channel is configured to allow passage of fluid
to the plurality of apertures and into the cavity of the surgical
instrument.

[0014] In embodiments, the apertures may be configured to direct fluid
toward the first end of the elongate member and the distal end of the
surgical instrument.

[0015] In embodiments, a cap of the apparatus may include a mating part
configured to be coupled to the distal end of the surgical instrument
such that upon coupling the mating part to the distal end of the surgical
instrument, the second end of the elongate member is disposed distally of
the distal end of the surgical instrument and encloses a trocar extending
distally from the distal end of the surgical instrument.

[0016] In embodiments, the mating part may define a space configured for
disposal of the distal end of the surgical instrument. A projection of
the mating part may be configured to be coupled to a mating part of the
distal end of the surgical instrument.

[0017] In embodiments, the surgical instrument may be a circular stapler.

[0018] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using
a surgical system is provided. The method includes disposing an elongate
member of an apparatus within a cavity formed in a distal end of a
surgical instrument. Fluid is dispensed into a first end of the elongate
member such that the fluid moves through a longitudinal channel defined
by the elongate member and through apertures defined transversely through
the elongate member into the cavity of the surgical instrument.

[0019] In embodiments, the method may further include coupling the first
end of the elongate member to the distal end of the surgical instrument.
Upon coupling the first end of the elongate member to the distal end of
the surgical instrument, a second end of the elongate member may be
disposed distally of the distal end of the surgical instrument to enclose
a trocar extending distally from the distal end of the surgical
instrument.

[0020] In embodiments, the method may further include removing the second
end of the elongate member from within the cavity of the surgical
instrument prior to coupling the first end of the elongate member to the
distal end of the surgical instrument. In embodiments, the method may
further include removing a trocar of the surgical instrument from within
the cavity of the surgical instrument prior to disposing the elongate
member within the cavity of the surgical instrument. The method may
further include disengaging an anvil and a cartridge from the surgical
instrument prior to disposing the elongate member within the cavity of
the surgical instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Various embodiments of the presently disclosed cleaning apparatus
are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument
including a handle assembly, an adapter assembly, and an end effector in
an unapproximated or spaced position;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a surgical system including the
adapter assembly of FIG. 1 and one embodiment of the presently disclosed
cleaning apparatus prior to insertion of the cleaning apparatus into the
adapter assembly;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a side, perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of
FIG. 2 from a second end of the cleaning apparatus;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a side, perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of
FIG. 2 from a first end of the cleaning apparatus;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0027] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2
engaged to the adapter assembly of FIG. 2 in a first orientation;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6
with the cleaning apparatus connected to a source of fluid;

[0029] FIG. 8 is perspective view of a first end of the cleaning apparatus
of FIG. 2;

[0030] FIG. 9 is a side, perspective view of a distal end of the adapter
assembly of FIG. 2 having a trocar extending therefrom;

[0031] FIG. 10 is a side, perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of
FIG. 2 engaged to the adapter assembly of FIG. 2 in a second orientation;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
presently disclosed cleaning apparatus for use with the surgical stapling
instrument of FIG. 1; and

[0033] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG.
11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Persons skilled in the art will understand that the instruments and
methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned that
the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one
exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of
another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As
well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and
advantages of the disclosure based on the described embodiments.
Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been
particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended
claims.

[0035] As used herein, the term distal refers to that portion of the
instrument which is farthest from a clinician, while the term proximal
refers to that portion of the instrument which is closest to the
clinician. In addition, as used herein, the term clinician refers to
medical staff including doctors, nurses and support personnel.

[0036] The present disclosure is directed to a cleaning apparatus,
described in detail below, which includes an elongate member having a
first end and a second end configured for disposal in a cavity of a
surgical instrument, such as, for example, a surgical stapling
instrument. The elongate member defines a longitudinal channel and a
plurality of apertures extending transversely through the elongate
member. The first end of the elongate member is both configured to be
coupled to a source of fluid, for example, cleaning fluid, to clean the
surgical instrument, and a distal end of the surgical instrument to
encase a trocar of the surgical instrument, as described in further
detail below. Additional advantages of the presently disclosed cleaning
apparatus are described below.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a surgical stapling instrument
according to the present disclosure, referenced generally as a circular
stapler 10. Circular stapler 10 includes a handle assembly 12, an adapter
assembly 14 which is supported by and extends distally from the handle
assembly 12, and an end effector 16 supported on a distal end 22 of
adapter assembly 14. Adapter assembly 14 is reusable and includes a knob
housing 18 that is releasably coupled to a distal end of handle assembly
12 and an elongated body portion 20 that extends distally from knob
housing 18. Elongated body portion 20 has a distal end 22 that is
configured to be coupled to a cartridge assembly 24 of end effector 16
and also to be coupled to a cleaning apparatus 100 (FIG. 10), as
described in further detail below. Adapter assembly 14 converts a
rotation of drive elements (not shown) of handle assembly 12 into axial
movement of driven members (not shown) of adapter assembly 14 to actuate
functions of end effector 16. A similar adapter assembly is disclosed in
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0324978 by Nicholas et al.,
which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In some
embodiments, circular stapler 10 may have an elongated body portion that
is integrally formed with a manually actuable handle assembly 12 instead
of an adapter assembly. One example of such a stapler is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,712 to Milliman et al., which is incorporated herein
in its entirety by reference.

[0038] Circular stapler 10 further includes a trocar 32 (FIG. 9), which
extends from a longitudinal cavity 34 (FIG. 7) defined in distal end 22
of elongated body portion 20. A proximal end of trocar 32 is configured
to be removably coupled to an approximation mechanism (not shown) of
adapter assembly 14. As known in the art, the approximation mechanism
(not shown) is operable to selectively longitudinally move trocar 32
within cavity 34 to move an anvil assembly 26, which is supported on
trocar 32, between unapproximated and approximated positions, in relation
to cartridge assembly 24. A distal end 36 (FIG. 9) of trocar 32 extends
distally from distal end 22 of elongated body portion 20 upon assembly of
trocar 32 with adapter assembly 14.

[0039] End effector 16 includes a cartridge assembly 24 and an anvil
assembly 26. Cartridge assembly 24 is releasably mounted to distal end 22
of elongated body portion 20 of circular stapler 10 and is configured to
discharge staples into tissue after approximation of cartridge assembly
24 and anvil assembly 26. In disclosed embodiments, cartridge assembly 24
is removably secured to distal end 22 of elongated body portion 20 such
that cartridge assembly 24, or a portion thereof, may be replaced and
circular stapler 10 may be reused. In other embodiments, only a portion
of cartridge assembly 24 is configured to be removed, and subsequently
replaced or reloaded. It is envisioned that cartridge assembly 24 may be
operably mounted to a distal end of any actuation assembly, powered or
manual, of various surgical instruments.

[0040] Anvil assembly 26 includes, inter alia, an anvil center rod 28 and
an anvil head 30 supported on anvil center rod 28. A proximal end of
anvil center rod 28 is dimensioned to releasably receive distal end 36 of
trocar 32 to sec assembly 26 to circular stapler 10. As such,
longitudinal movement of trocar 32, via an actuation of handle assembly
12, results in a corresponding longitudinal movement of anvil head 30
relative to cartridge assembly 24 to clamp tissue between cartridge and
anvil assemblies 24, 26. Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,712
to Milliman et al. for a detailed description of the construction and
operation of an end effector including a cartridge assembly and an anvil
assembly similar to that disclosed herein, which is incorporated by
reference above.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a surgical system 1 includes
components of circular stapler 10 (i.e., handle assembly 12, adapter
assembly 14, and/or end effector 16) and a cleaning apparatus 100 for
cleaning circular stapler 10. Cleaning apparatus 100 is configured to
engage distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14 in one of a first
orientation, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in which cleaning apparatus 100
is used to clean circular stapler 10, and a second orientation, as shown
in FIG. 10, in which cleaning apparatus 100 is used as a trocar tip
protector, as will be described in detail below.

[0042] With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, cleaning apparatus 100
generally includes an elongate member 110 and a cap 140 supported
thereon. Elongate member 110 defines a longitudinal axis "X" and has a
first end 112 (FIG. 4) and a second end 114. Elongate member 110 defines
a longitudinal channel 116 that extends between first and second ends
112, 114 along longitudinal axis "X." Longitudinal channel 116 is
dimensioned to receive trocar 32 of adapter assembly 14 such that
elongate member 110 encases trocar 32. First end 112 of elongate member
110 is open and second end 114 of elongate member 110 is closed. In some
embodiments, second end 114 of elongate member 110 may be open or define
an aperture such that fluid can pass through second end 114.

[0043] First end 112 of elongate member 110 is configured to be coupled to
a source of fluid, such as, for example, a fluid dispensing device 130
(FIG. 7). It is contemplated that first end 112 of elongated member 110
may be configured to connect to various fluid dispensing devices using a
variety of fastening techniques, such as, for example, luer taper,
threaded engagement, friction-fit, snap-fit, or the like, such that
fluid, indicated by arrows "F," may be supplied through first end 112 of
elongate member 110 under pressure into longitudinal channel 116. In some
embodiments, an outer and/or inner surface 150, 152 of a cylindrical
extension 148 that surrounds first end 112 of elongate member 110 may be
configured to connect to various fluid dispensing devices.

[0044] With reference to FIG. 5, elongate member 110 further defines a
plurality of apertures 118 in fluid communication with longitudinal
channel 116. Apertures 118 extend transversely from longitudinal channel
116 through an outer surface 120 of elongate member 110. Apertures 118
are disposed along at least a portion of a length of elongate member 110,
e.g., along an entire length of elongate member 110. In some embodiments,
apertures 118 are aligned in longitudinal, parallel rows. Alternately,
apertures 118 can be arranged in different patterns, e.g., a spiral
pattern, in concentric rows about elongate member 110, or randomly formed
along elongate member 110. Apertures 118 may have a cylindrical
configuration and be configured to direct fluid from within longitudinal
channel 116, out of elongate member 110, and toward first end 112 of
elongate member 110, in the general direction indicated by arrow "A" in
FIG. 4. In some embodiments, apertures 118 may assume a variety of
shapes, such as, for example, triangular, square, rectangular, arcuate,
tapered, oblong, polygonal, or the like. In addition, one or more spiral
cut grooves or channels may be substituted for the apertures 118.
Further, any combination of apertures, or apertures and channels,
uniformly distributed or non-uniformly distributed about the elongate
member 110 may be provided.

[0045] In particular, with continued reference to FIG. 5, in some
embodiments, each aperture 118 defines an axis "Y," which extends at an
acute angle β relative to longitudinal axis "X" of elongate member
110. In embodiments, angle β is between 0 degrees and 90 degrees. As
such, fluid within longitudinal channel 116 flowing in a direction from
first end 112 to second end 114 of elongate member 110 will be directed
from apertures 118 in a direction toward first end 112 of elongate member
110. By discharging fluid in a direction toward first end 112,
contaminants disposed within elongated body portion 20 of circular
stapler 10 can be forced from elongated body portion 20. It is envisioned
that in embodiments, it may be beneficial to direct fluid proximally from
apertures 118. As such, angle β may also exceed 90 degrees, e.g.,
angle β may be between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0046] Each aperture 118 has an outer opening 124 and an inner opening
126. Outer openings 124 are disposed adjacent an exterior of elongate
member 110 and are contiguous with outer surface 120 of elongate member
110. Inner openings 126 are disposed adjacent longitudinal channel 116
and are contiguous with inner surface 122 of elongate member 110. Due to
apertures 118 being angled relative to longitudinal axis "X" and directed
toward first end 112 of elongate member 110, outer openings 124 of each
aperture 118 are disposed closer to first end 112 of elongate member 110
than are respective inner openings 126.

[0047] With reference to FIGS. 3-8, cleaning apparatus 110 further
includes a cap 140, which is supported about first end 112 of elongate
member 110. For example, cap 140 may be integrally formed with elongate
member 110 or secured to elongate member 110 using a variety of different
fastening techniques, including, e.g., welding, crimping, etc. Cap 140
includes a wall 142 having a planar configuration and extending radially
from first end 112 of elongate member 110. In embodiments, wall 142 may
have a concave surface 143 oriented toward second end 114 of elongate
member 118 to facilitate redirecting fluid toward second end 114. A hood
144 extends from wall 142 in a direction toward second end 114 of
elongate member 110. Hood 144 has an arcuate configuration, e.g., a
semi-circular configuration, to partially surround first end 112 of
elongate member 110. In embodiments, hood 144 may be a full circle that
extends from the periphery of wall 142 and completely surrounds first end
112 of elongate member 110. Hood 144 is configured to redirect fluid away
from first end 112 of elongate member 110 toward second end 114 after
fluid has been expelled from apertures 118. As such, hood 144 acts as a
splash guard so that fluid can be collected, in a controlled manner,
outside of elongate member 110 and elongated body portion 20 in a
disposal area (not shown).

[0048] Cap 140 includes a mating part 146 configured to be coupled to a
distal end of a surgical instrument, for example, distal end 22 of
adapter assembly 14, when cleaning apparatus 100 is in the second
orientation. In particular, mating part 146 includes a cylindrical
extension 148 disposed about first end 112 of elongate member 110.
Cylindrical extension 148 extends from wall 142 of cap 140 in a direction
opposite to that of hood 144. Cylindrical extension 148 has an outer,
arcuate surface 150 and an inner, arcuate surface 152. Outer surface 150
defines at least one depression 154, which may assume a variety of
shapes, such as, for example, scalloped-shaped or concave. In addition,
depression 154 may be textured to enhance a clinician's ability to grip
and rotate cap 140.

[0049] An inner surface 152 of mating part 146 and first end 112 of
elongate member 110 define an annular space 156. Annular space 156 is
dimensioned for receipt of distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14. A
plurality of projections 158 extend from inner surface 152 of cylindrical
extension 148 into space 156 to facilitate securement of cleaning
apparatus 100 to distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14. For example,
projections 158 may be configured to be releasably secured, in a
bayonet-type connection (i.e., inserted and rotated), within a cutout 23
(FIG. 9) formed in distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14. In some
embodiments, cap 140 of cleaning apparatus 100 may be releasably coupled
to distal ends of various circular staplers in various alternative
fastening engagements, for example, those alternatives described herein.

[0050] When cleaning apparatus 100 is secured, in the second orientation,
to circular stapler 10, as shown in FIG. 10, elongate member 110 is
releasably attached to distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14 via the
mating engagement between mating part 146 of cleaning apparatus 100 and
mating part 23 of distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14. In some
embodiments, first end 112 of elongate member 110, rather than mating
part 146 of cap 140, may be configured to be coupled to distal end 22 of
adapter assembly 14. As shown in FIG. 10, upon coupling mating part 146
of cleaning apparatus 100 to distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14, second
end 114 of elongate member 110 is disposed distally of distal end 22 of
adapter assembly 14 and is no longer disposed within longitudinal cavity
34 of adapter assembly 14.

[0051] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, to clean/sterilize circular
stapler 10, cartridge assembly 24 (FIG. 1), anvil assembly 26 (FIG. 1)
and trocar 32 (FIG. 9) are disassembled from adapter assembly 14. With
trocar 32 removed from within longitudinal cavity 34 of adapter assembly
14, longitudinal cavity 34 is made available for receipt of elongate
member 110 of cleaning apparatus 100. Cleaning apparatus 100 is oriented
in the first orientation and second end 114 of elongate member 110 is
inserted within longitudinal cavity 34 of adapter assembly 14. In this
position, first end 112 of elongate member 110 is disposed distally of
distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14 such that wall 142 of cap 140 is
engaged to distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14. Cutouts "A" formed in
distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14 allow fluid to escape from distal
end 22 of adapter assembly 14 and exit longitudinal cavity 34 of adapter
assembly 14.

[0052] In use, a source of fluid 130 is coupled to first end 112 of
elongate member 110 of cleaning apparatus 100 and fluid, such as, for
example, water or a cleaning solution "F," is dispensed into first end
112 of elongate member 110. Although not shown, first end 112 of elongate
member 110 may include structure, e.g., internal threads, to facilitate
coupling to a fluid source. Fluid "F" moves from first end 112 of
elongate member 110, through longitudinal channel 116, to second end 114
of longitudinal channel 116 and through apertures 118 at angle β
relative to longitudinal axis "X," as described above. After fluid "F"
exits apertures 118, fluid "F" moves in a direction toward first end 112
of elongate member 110 and distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14 through a
longitudinal gap "G" defined between outer surface 120 of elongate member
110 and an inner surface of distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14 to clean
longitudinal cavity 34 of adapter assembly 14. Thereafter, fluid "F," now
carrying contaminants or surgical debris, e.g., bodily fluid or tissue,
passes out of longitudinal cavity 34 through cutouts "A" formed in distal
end 22 of elongated body portion 20. After fluid "F" exits adapter
assembly 14, fluid "F" contacts hood 144 of cap 140 of cleaning apparatus
100 and is redirected in a proximal direction, as indicated by arrow "B"
in FIG. 7, toward a disposal area (not shown).

[0053] After circular stapler 10 is sufficiently clean, cleaning apparatus
100 can be removed from distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14 and
discarded or reused and cartridge assembly 24, anvil assembly 26, and
trocar 32 can be reassembled to adapter assembly 14 in preparation for
reuse of circular stapler 10.

[0054] With reference to FIGS. 8-10, cleaning apparatus 100 may be turned
180 degrees from the first orientation to the second orientation, as
shown in FIG. 10. In the second orientation, cleaning apparatus 100
serves as a trocar tip protector. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9,
trocar 32 extends distally from distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14.
After cartridge assembly 24 (FIG. 1) is disconnected from mating part 23
of distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14, elongate member 110 is
positioned about trocar 32. Projections 158 of mating part 146 of
cleaning apparatus 100 are inserted within cutouts 23 of distal end 22 of
adapter assembly 14 and cleaning apparatus 100 is rotated in relation to
adapter assembly 14 to releasably attach cleaning apparatus 100 to
circular stapler 10. With cleaning apparatus 100 attached to circular
stapler 10 in the second orientation, trocar 32 is completely enclosed by
elongate member 110 to prevent trocar 32 from causing injury to medical
personnel during non-use of circular stapler 10.

[0055] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a cleaning
apparatus shown generally as 200. Cleaning apparatus 200 is similar to
cleaning apparatus 100 described above and includes an elongate member
210 having a first end 212 and a second end 214 and defines a
longitudinal channel 216 extending between first and second ends 212,
214. Instead of elongate member 210 having holes shaped like the
apertures 118 of cleaning apparatus 100 described above, cleaning
apparatus 200 defines a plurality of slits 218 extending transversely
through elongate member 210. Similar to apertures 118 of cleaning
apparatus 100 described above, slits 218 are also configured to direct
fluid from within longitudinal channel 216, out of elongate member 210,
and toward first end 212 of elongate member 210.

[0056] Slits 218 have an arcuate configuration as shown in FIG. 11 and a
uniform cross-sectional configuration as shown in FIG. 12. Slits 218 may
assume a variety of shapes, such as, for example, those alternatives
described above with regard to the apertures 118. Slits 218 each have an
outer opening 224 disposed adjacent an exterior surface of elongate
member 210 and an inner opening 226 communicating with longitudinal
channel 216. Each Slit 218 has a length defined between respective outer
and inner openings 224, 226 and a thickness defined between upper and
lower surfaces 228, 230. In embodiments, slits 218 are shaped such that
the length of each slit 218 is greater than its thickness, e.g., the
length is at least twice the thickness. In embodiments, slits 218 are
dimensioned to generate a high velocity spray, which is directed into an
inner surface of elongated body portion 20 of adapter assembly 14.

[0057] Cleaning apparatus 200 can be used in a similar manner as cleaning
apparatus 100. Specifically, cleaning apparatus 200 has a dual function
of both cleaning distal end 22 of adapter assembly 14, when positioned in
a first orientation, and serving as a trocar tip protector, when
positioned in a second orientation.

[0058] In some embodiments, cleaning apparatus 100 or 200 may be used with
any surgical instrument having a hollow shaft.

[0059] Persons skilled in the art will understand that the instruments and
methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned that
the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one
exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of
another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As
well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and
advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments.
Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been
particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended
claims.